X is ending its controversial revenue-sharing program for content creators, which has seen numerous revisions under Elon Musk’s reign. In its place, it’s launching a new Original Content Rewards program on September 8th. To be eligible, creators must have at least 500 verified followers and at least 500,000 Home Timeline impressions from verified users in the last 90 days, among other requirements.
Creators will then earn revenue based on “qualified impressions” on “original content.”Qualified impressions are unique impressions from Premium subscribers “on the Home Timeline feed, where at least 50% of the post is visible.” What qualifies as “original content” exactly? Well, that’s a little harder to define. Under the guidelines, original reporting or analysis, videos and photos taken by the user, as well as graphics or illustrations made by the creator, including memes. X also says that commentary or reactions still qualify, as long as they “add something meaningful.”
In the post announcing the program, the company says the goal is to shift the focus away from exploiting loopholes and clickbait. Simply repurposing content from others or replying to posts wouldn’t be a viable source of income under the new system, theoretically. Allegra Jacchia, Senior Product Manager, Creators at SpaceXAI, said on X that the program was designed to “reward the creators who bring original ideas, expertise, creativity, and unique perspectives to 𝕏 — not those who have become best at gaming the system.”
Participants in the revenue-sharing model will continue to earn revenue through September 7th.